Latest news with #DavidAuriau
Biz Bahrain
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Biz Bahrain
Alzayani Investments Group's Euro Motors Signs Solar Partnership with Positive Zero
Euro Motors, the luxury automotive arm of the Alzayani Investments Group, has signed a renewable energy agreement with Positive Zero, the Middle East's largest provider of decarbonization services and on-site solar power solutions. The project in Sitra will entail the construction and development of a solar rooftop and carport, which upon completion is expected to have a capacity of 2.7MWp. This will generate 4.7 GWh of electricity per year, which is an equivalent amount of energy as the annual electricity used by 654 households. The 25-year agreement will result in major environmental benefits, including the annual reduction of more than 3,100 tons of greenhouse gases. For comparison, almost 52,000 trees would need to be planted and grown for 10 years to have a similar level of impact. Euro Motors Bahrain is the luxury car dealer for major car brands such as BMW, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Maserati, Land Rover, Jaguar and MINI. Alzayani Investments Group has a wide portfolio of brands across different industries, underlining its position as one of the leading conglomerates in Bahrain. Positive Zero will handle end-to-end build, financing, operations and maintenance of the solar rooftop and carport, ensuring Euro Motors can fully benefit from the environmental and economic cost savings. Representatives present at the signing ceremony included Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain (Chairman, Positive Zero), David Auriau (CEO, Positive Zero), Laurent Longuet (CEO at Positive Zero's Distributed Generation business, SirajPower), Rashid Zayed Alzayani (Managing Director, Euro Motors), Richard Gough (GM, Euro Motors), Rashed Hamed Alzayani (Managing Director, Midal Solar), and Khalid (Chief Executive Officer, Midal Solar). Discussing the new agreement, Rashid Z. Alzayani, Euro Motors Managing Director said, 'We're proud to launch this major new sustainability project with Positive Zero, which sets a new benchmark for Bahrain's automotive sector. As the industry itself changes, we too must find novel and intelligent ways to give back to the environment. We fully support the government's National Energy Strategy, as we reduce emissions and head towards net-zero by 2060.' David Auriau, CEO Positive Zero said, 'We are excited to collaborate with Euro Motors in decarbonizing their facilities. Our onsite solar infrastructure solutions will reduce Euro Motor's operational costs and carbon footprint, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the automotive Industry. With the support of Alzayani Investments, we look forward to further exploring our decarbonization-as-a-service offering across its businesses to accelerate the Group's and the Kingdom's clean energy transition.' Speaking on behalf of Midal Solar (a subsidiary of Midal Cables), the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project, Managing Director Rashed Hamed Alzayani commented, 'This initiative stands as a testament to the growing commitment of the Kingdom's companies to integrate sustainable practices into their core operations. We are honored to serve as the EPC partner for this landmark project, and we look forward to leveraging our technical expertise to deliver a cutting-edge Tier-1 solar energy solution that advances both environmental responsibility and long-term economic value. With a proven track record of delivering over 7.2 MWp of solar projects across the Kingdom, Midal Solar continues to play a leading role in the transition to clean energy, helping to reduce thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions each year. Our involvement in this project reflects our dedication to driving innovation, delivering impact, and supporting the Kingdom's sustainability goals.'
Trade Arabia
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Trade Arabia
AW Rostamani unit to install rooftop solar capacity
AW Rostamani (AWR) Group, one of the UAE's leading family business groups, and Positive Zero, a decentralised decarbonisation infrastructure business, have signed an agreement to install 460 kWp (kilowatt peak) of rooftop solar capacity at the production facility of Sineo Packaging Manufacturing, a sustainable packaging manufacturer under AWR Group's diversified portfolio. This agreement marks AWR Group's sixth agreement with Positive Zero (and its subsidiaries), bringing the total solar capacity to 2.7 MWp across six facilities. The solar project at Sineo Packaging Manufacturing builds upon AWR Group's continued commitment to renewable energy, including a 2023 partnership with Positive Zero's Distributed Generation arm (SirajPower) to deploy solar solutions across five principal locations in Dubai: • AW Rostamani Central Warehouse, Dubai Internet City (DIC), in operation • Arabian Automobiles, Nissan Showroom, in operation • Arabian Automobiles, Service Center, SZR, in operation • Arabian Automobiles, Nissan Service Center, Deira, in operation • AWR Parts Distribution Centre in DIC, under construction since December 2024 Under operations, the six solar-powered facilities will cut an average of 3,000 metric tons of carbon emissions every year, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by planting 50,000 trees, powering the entire energy needs of 400 homes annually. The signing ceremony was held at the manufacturing facility of Sineo Packaging located in Dubai Industrial City and was attended by Wayne Beifus, Chief Financial Officer, AWR Group, Antoine Moussali, CEO, Sineo Packaging Manufacturing, David Auriau, Group CEO, Positive Zero, and Laurent Longuet, CEO, SirajPower, a Positive Zero company, among other company executives. Wayne Beifus, Chief Financial Officer, AWR Group, said: 'AWR Group is committed to actively incorporating sustainability initiatives across various verticals, ensuring a positive social, environmental, and economic impact. This solar installation at Sineo Packaging is an extension of the Group's ongoing sustainability efforts and aligns with our organisation-wide ESG framework, which supports the Net Zero aspirations of the UAE and helps meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We seek to make a meaningful and enduring impact — in business, on people, and on the world at large.' David Auriau, Chief Executive Officer of Positive Zero, stated: "Our mission extends beyond providing solar solutions; it is about helping our clients drive transformative change towards environmental responsibility through a fast, simple and profitable sustainability roadmap. We are proud to partner with AW Rostamani Group on this project, building on our long-standing relationship which includes six successful projects to date. This installation will provide Sineo Packaging with clean energy and contribute to a more decarbonized future for the UAE." Sineo Packaging Manufacturing is the region's only sustainable packaging manufacturer. The 460 kWp solar capacity will enable Sineo Packaging Manufacturing to generate approximately 7.7 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy across a 10-year lease period - a testimony to the company's commitment to sustainable operations. Antoine Moussali, CEO, Sineo Packaging Manufacturing, added: 'We have taken our commitment to sustainability one step further - not only do we create sustainable products, but we now manufacture them sustainably as well. This partnership with Positive Zero to install significant solar capacity at our Dubai Industrial City facility is a powerful testament to our commitment to eco-friendly practices. Generating our own clean energy will substantially reduce our carbon footprint and aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative and environmentally responsible packaging solutions for the food and beverage sector.' Laurent Longuet, CEO, Positive Zero's Distributed Generation arm (SirajPower), further commented: 'We are excited to be building and expanding our energy transition efforts with one of the most esteemed and renowned conglomerates in the UAE. AW Rostamani has proven its commitment and leadership time and again not only through its growth and business successes but also towards a Net Zero mandate. With supportive regulatory initiatives on the ground, Commercial & Industrial businesses today can harness solar energy and reap its short-term and long-term environmental and economic benefits.' Sineo Packaging Manufacturing produces innovative, food-safe, and eco-friendly solutions for the food and beverage sector worldwide. The company offers a wide range of recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable options with customisable branding, serving over 200 businesses globally. The manufacturing facility has 15 high-speed production lines with an annual production capacity of 400 million units.
Mid East Info
05-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
AW Rostamani Group Reaches 2.7 MWp Solar Capacity with Positive Zero Partnership
– Sixth project with Positive Zero to add 460 kWp rooftop solar capacity at Sineo Packaging Manufacturing in Dubai Industrial City Dubai, United Arab Emirates;May 2025: AW Rostamani (AWR) Group, one of the UAE's leading family business groups, and Positive Zero, a decentralised decarbonisation infrastructure business, signed an agreement to install 460 kWp (kilowatt peak) of rooftop solar capacity at the production facility of Sineo Packaging Manufacturing, a sustainable packaging manufacturer under AWR Group's diversified portfolio. This agreement marks AWR Group's sixth agreement with Positive Zero (and its subsidiaries), bringing the total solar capacity to 2.7 MWp across six facilities. The solar project at Sineo Packaging Manufacturing builds upon AWR Group's continued commitment to renewable energy, including a 2023 partnership with Positive Zero's Distributed Generation arm (SirajPower) to deploy solar solutions across five principal locations in Dubai: • AW Rostamani Central Warehouse, Dubai Internet City (DIC), in operation • Arabian Automobiles, Nissan Showroom, in operation • Arabian Automobiles, Service Center, SZR, in operation • Arabian Automobiles, Nissan Service Center, Deira, in operation • AWR Parts Distribution Centre in DIC, under construction since December 2024 Under operations, the six solar-powered facilities will cut an average of 3,000 metric tons of carbon emissions every year, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by planting 50,000 trees, powering the entire energy needs of 400 homes annually. The signing ceremony was held at the manufacturing facility of Sineo Packaging located in Dubai Industrial City and was attended by Wayne Beifus, Chief Financial Officer, AWR Group, Antoine Moussali, CEO, Sineo Packaging Manufacturing, David Auriau, Group CEO, Positive Zero, and Laurent Longuet, CEO, SirajPower, a Positive Zero company, among other company executives. Wayne Beifus, Chief Financial Officer, AWR Group, said: 'AWR Group is committed to actively incorporating sustainability initiatives across various verticals, ensuring a positive social, environmental, and economic impact. This solar installation at Sineo Packaging is an extension of the Group's ongoing sustainability efforts and aligns with our organisation-wide ESG framework, which supports the Net Zero aspirations of the UAE and helps meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We seek to make a meaningful and enduring impact — in business, on people, and on the world at large.' David Auriau, Chief Executive Officer of Positive Zero, stated: 'Our mission extends beyond providing solar solutions; it is about helping our clients drive transformative change towards environmental responsibility through a fast, simple and profitable sustainability roadmap. We are proud to partner with AW Rostamani Group on this project, building on our long-standing relationship which includes six successful projects to date. This installation will provide Sineo Packaging with clean energy and contribute to a more decarbonized future for the UAE.' Sineo Packaging Manufacturing is the region's only sustainable packaging manufacturer. The 460 kWp solar capacity will enable Sineo Packaging Manufacturing to generate approximately 7.7 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy across a 10-year lease period – a testimony to the company's commitment to sustainable operations. Antoine Moussali, CEO, Sineo Packaging Manufacturing, added: 'We have taken our commitment to sustainability one step further – not only do we create sustainable products, but we now manufacture them sustainably as well. This partnership with Positive Zero to install significant solar capacity at our Dubai Industrial City facility is a powerful testament to our commitment to eco-friendly practices. Generating our own clean energy will substantially reduce our carbon footprint and aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative and environmentally responsible packaging solutions for the food and beverage sector.' Laurent Longuet, CEO, Positive Zero's Distributed Generation arm (SirajPower), further commented: 'We are excited to be building and expanding our energy transition efforts with one of the most esteemed and renowned conglomerates in the UAE. AW Rostamani has proven its commitment and leadership time and again not only through its growth and business successes but also towards a Net Zero mandate. With supportive regulatory initiatives on the ground, Commercial & Industrial businesses today can harness solar energy and reap its short-term and long-term environmental and economic benefits'. Sineo Packaging Manufacturing produces innovative, food-safe, and eco-friendly solutions for the food and beverage sector worldwide. The company offers a wide range of recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable options with customisable branding, serving over 200 businesses globally. The manufacturing facility has 15 high-speed production lines with an annual production capacity of 400 million units. The new installation at Sineo Packaging Manufacturing will further enhance AWR Group's group-wide clean energy generation and associated environmental benefits. About AWR Group: AW Rostamani Group is a multi-sector, multi-market group and one of the most progressive companies in the Middle East. With a legacy spanning over seven decades, AWR Group employs 3,000 individuals, serving a diverse customer base of over 155,000 individuals and 24,000 businesses. Its core verticals include automotive, real estate, logistics, lifestyle, lighting solutions, travel, agritech, and sustainable packaging. More than just serving the present, AWR Group embraces generation next. It builds purposeful businesses to enrich the lives of every generation, striving to make a meaningful and enduring impact on business, people, and the world. Built on a bedrock of strong founding values, AWR Group continues to evolve with the times and ahead of them, at work for a planet that prospers. About Sineo Packaging Manufacturing: Sineo Packaging Manufacturing is a UAE based producer of sustainable packaging solutions, located in Dubai Industrial City. Established as a joint venture with AW Rostamani Group since 2019, the company specializes in high-quality, eco-friendly packaging for the foodservice, hospitality, retail, and e-commerce sectors. Its BRCGS certificated facility offers advanced manufacturing capabilities, including six-colour flexographic printing, and produces packaging using recyclable, biodegradable and bio-coated compostable materials. The company is also the region's only manufacturer of square kraft bowls, offering innovative options for businesses seeking sustainable alternatives. With a strong focus on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, Sineo Packaging Manufacturing supports over 200 partners across regional and international markets. About Positive Zero: Positive Zero is changing the game. As the Middle East's energy transition leaders, we are empowering a new energy economy by making the decarbonization process fast, simple and profitable. Hundreds of businesses across diverse industries have cut operational costs by up to 50% and reduced carbon footprint by up to 70% with Positive Zero's decarbonization-as-a-service offering. With no upfront investment required by clients, Positive Zero handles everything from design and financing, to construction and operation of on-site infrastructure, providing comprehensive and fully-financed solutions in distributed generation, energy efficiency, and clean mobility. With more than 200MW of distributed solar installations in operation and over 100 million kWh in energy consumption savings monitored and managed by digital solutions, Positive Zero continues to grow and reinforce its position as the largest provider of sustainable and decentralized power infrastructure in the region. The result is a reduction of over 250,000 tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to planting 4 million trees and nurturing them for a decade.
Arabian Business
12-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
GEMS Education signs UAE's largest school-based solar energy agreement
GEMS Education has announced a landmark renewable energy agreement with decarbonisation provider Positive Zero, marking the largest solar power initiative in the UAE education sector to date. The deal covers the design, engineering, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems across 23 GEMS schools in Dubai. GEMS leads sustainability drive The extensive solar project will include rooftop, carport, and bus parking installations, collectively delivering a capacity of nearly 12.7 MWp. The system is expected to generate 21.25 GWh of electricity annually – equivalent to powering 2,000 homes per year. The initiative aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy and will significantly reduce the educational institutions' carbon footprint. Projections indicate that the project will mitigate 14,276 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually, which is comparable to removing 3,300 cars from the roads or cultivating nearly six million trees over the system's lifespan. Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS said, 'This landmark agreement with Positive Zero not only underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also aligns with our vision of integrating renewable energy at scale. By harnessing solar power, we are contributing to the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy while also instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in our students.' As part of the agreement, Positive Zero will provide financing through long-term leasing, ensuring no upfront investment is required from GEMS Education. David Auriau, Chief Executive Officer of Positive Zero said, 'This bold and impressive commitment positions GEMS Education as a true leader in sustainability within the UAE's education sector, and we are proud to be empowering their energy transition.' The project also plays a crucial role in GEMS Education's broader ESG and sustainability strategy. According to Ovais Chhotani, Chief Financial Officer of GEMS Education, 'This milestone is just the beginning of our broader sustainability journey focused on reducing our environmental impact and promoting a greener future for all.' The school operator has embedded climate literacy into its curriculum, with initiatives including the accreditation of United Nations Climate Change Teachers in classrooms, student-led COP-style events, and sustainability-focused academic programs. Yohaan Cama, Senior Manager – ESG at GEMS Education, described the agreement as 'a new benchmark for sustainability in education,' reinforcing the UAE's clean energy transition goals. Laurent Longuet, CEO of Positive Zero's distributed generation business, SirajPower, added, 'We must commend GEMS Education on committing to a more sustainable agenda for their schools and paving the way for the next generation to witness first-hand how distributed solar power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.' The solar installations at the selected 23 Dubai schools are set to be commissioned and completed by early 2026, furthering GEMS Education's mission to lead sustainability efforts in the UAE education sector.
Gulf Business
12-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
GEMS to power up 23 Dubai schools with massive solar installations
L-R Dino Varkey, Group CEO GEMS Education, Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero, David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero.-Supplied photo GEMS Education and Positive Zero have signed the largest renewable energy deal in the UAE education sector to date. The deal covers the design, engineering, installation, and maintenance of solar rooftops, carports, and bus parking across 23 GEMS schools in Dubai. Read- The recently installed solar systems will collectively boast a capacity nearing 12.7 MWp, generating 21.25 GWh of electricity annually—enough to power 2,000 homes for a full year. Impact of the initiative This particular initiative is expected to reduce 14,276 metric tonnes of carbon emissions per year, equivalent to taking 3,300 cars off the road. Over the project's lifespan, this reduction would equate to the environmental benefits of cultivating nearly 6 million trees. 'GEMS Education is proud to lead the way in terms of sustainability within the UAE's education sector. This landmark agreement with Positive Zero not only underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also aligns with our vision of integrating renewable energy at scale,' Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, said, reflecting on the benefits of the deal. He further accentuated this by stating that the education group is contributing to the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy by harnessing solar power and is also instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in students, who are the leaders of tomorrow. The teaching of climate literacy has long been emphasised in GEMS schools, and it is through this agreement that those teachings can be translated into actions for the students. This particular partnership is in complete alignment with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy, intended to drive the country's transition towards net-zero emissions. 'At the core of our partnership with GEMS Education is a shared commitment to sustainability. GEMS Education is taking tangible steps in this direction with the decarbonisation of its operations through our solutions, in addition to integrating climate literacy across people development, curricula, and student initiatives,' David Auriau, Chief Executive Officer of Positive Zero, said. How GEMS education furthers sustainability GEMS Education has substantially helped in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its schools as well as other operations, by placing the harnessing of solar energy as an integral part of its ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and sustainability strategy. 'This milestone is just the beginning of our broader sustainability journey focused on reducing our environmental impact and promoting a greener future for all. It builds on our ongoing initiatives as we continue pushing boundaries to drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact. It stands as a testament to our dedication to a greener, more sustainable future,' Ovais Chhotani, Chief Financial Officer of GEMS Education, reiterated, emphasising the advantages of the agreement. Each of GEMS' 23 schools selected for this initiative will progress towards commissioning and completion, expected at the beginning of 2026. GEMS Education has embedded climate literacy in the curriculum of its schools, furthering the mandate of sustainability even more. This includes the mission of having a United Nations-accredited Climate Change Teacher in every classroom, as well as longstanding programmes of student-led and educator-led sustainability initiatives. Not only is the education group driving sustainability at the levels of students' education but also at the corporate level and within the wider community through student-led COP-style events, debates, energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation initiatives, and much more. This latest agreement builds on GEMS' collaboration with Positive Zero and its distributed generation business, SirajPower, which previously provided GEMS with an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contract for a solar project at the net-zero-energy GEMS Founders School – Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
